Careers
Welcome from the Practice Owner, Dr. Susan Brenteson
Welcome to Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital! As the practice owner and veterinarian, I am happy to welcome you to be a part of our growing community of work family and friends.
First a little about me; after 10 years working in the veterinary field, I was employed as associate veterinarian at Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital. I never saw myself as a veterinary practice owner, but after 3 years with the practice, I was presented with the opportunity to take on ownership. With the vision of keeping this business locally owned and community-oriented, I took ownership in January 2019. It has been a challenging yet very rewarding experience.
Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Now, as a practice owner I have greater opportunities, and ability to provide the best care for our patients, and with the practice’s recent expansion, also a better position to serve the community on a larger scale than ever before.
On behalf of myself and my dedicated team, thank you for your interest in our clinic. We look forward to growing our team to continue to provide our patients with the highest quality care.
Staff Testimonials
Cassie
If you would have told me I would find a career when I started as a Customer Service Representative with Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital back in 2018 I certainly would not have believed you! I fell in love with the environment, I mean who wouldn't love being around puppies and kittens all day? I fell in love with the clients too! Being able to help and serve people is something that is so natural to me, but even more so than both of those things, I fell in love with the supportive, kind, encouraging culture that is Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital.
Having chronic health concerns, I started with FLVH as a part time team member. Through crutches multiple times, a few surgeries, and weird prolonged illnesses I have been supported above and beyond what I even imagined possible of coworkers.
Late in 2022 I began wanting more not only for myself and my career, but for the practice as a whole. I had finally found a job that I could do even with my daily physical pain and I was ready for more. I had many conversations about what more I could do for the practice and I began to add more to my plate, additionally adding on hours. By early 2023 I was working full time if not more, which is something I had always told myself was not possible due to my health, and I began a veterinary practice management course which Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital supported me through in every way. By the fall of 2023 I took on a new title, let alone a new position for Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital and became the practice manager.
Each day and new year brings new energy and bigger goals for myself and Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital and I am proud to be a part of this amazing team working to serve our clients and patients on a daily basis.
Liz
My name is Liz and I am happy to share why I work at FLVH! I started out as a client in 2015 with my 10 animals, so I was a frequent flier at the clinic. Every visit, I was treated with kindness and warmth, like I was family, so in 2020, when I was offered a job as an assistant, I jumped at the chance to be part of this clinic family.
Each day brings excitement and challenges, no two days are the same and we as a clinic greet each day head on, ready to bring the best care to our clients. We embrace each pet and client as a family member and I'm proud to be part of this clinic.
Mackenzie
I choose to work at Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital because I enjoy being employed by a hospital that values my growth both personally and professionally. I started working here a few months before I began my education through a vet tech program. When asked during my interview why I'm interested in FLVH, I said I wanted to support a clinic that agrees with my morals and values towards veterinary care.
After two years of employment, I can attest that all our doctors and support staff truly want the best care tailored for each individual patient. It has been wonderful to see staff come together as a common-minded team many times when presented with tough cases. As I'm beginning my dream career as a vet tech, I could not have chosen a better place to encourage me.
Our experienced veterinary technicians and doctors challenge me with constructive guidance to help shape me into a well-rounded vet tech. I feel that my hard work is valued by management, I am supported by my coworkers, and driven to be my best self for each patient I'm presented with.
Gabby
Personally, I love where I work. I feel like FLVH is a team that actually cares about the wellbeing of each staff member both in their professional and personal lives. I have been working here now for 4 years and have seen major growth with the company. We have expanded the building and staff significantly, and have added many new staff roles to our team.
Coming from other veterinary clinics prior to working here, I know there really isn't another one like this out there. Of course, we have tough days, but the team at FLVH is more positive and close knit than other jobs I have held.
I feel supported in both my role as lead technician, and as a CVT. My knowledge and skill set is respected and utilized, and I think as a team we respect each other enough to collaborate on cases and clinic policies. Every day at work I am challenged as a leader and team member to improve and provide the best care for our patients and their owners, and I wouldn't want it any other way!